All of my collectables are special, and the vast majority have been collected in person when I have approached artists. Many have stories and special memories that should be shared. In this second post of a new series of blog posts, I will continue to talk about my collectables, stories, and special memories.
The actual interactions with artists are often just as meaningful and memorable as the signed collectables. This week I share details about my Matricks Illusion collectables and interactions.
Matricks Illusion
Matricks Illusion is renowned for its large-scale big-box illusions. Formed by Alex Jesson and his sister Emily, they performed at their family’s holiday camp as children. The act later welcomed Kelsie and gained television fame.
I love big-box stage illusions, and I have been fortunate enough to attend Matricks Illusions shows and meet the team at magic conventions. Always friendly, fun, and willing to chat.
(Emily left, Alex centre and Kelsie is second from right)
I first met Alex at BMC in 2023. We had a quick exchange, and he was kind enough to agree to a selfie. Alex is always at BMC and very well known in the magic community. Not only is he a successful magician and illusionist, but he’s also an artist who designs amazing promotional posters for the entertainment industry (Edward J Design).
The best selfie with Alex was taken when I watched Matricks Illusion last year at the Benn Hall in Rugby in 2024. Matricks Illusion were performing as part of the “Masters of Deception” show, which also featured Richard Jones and the legendary Marc Oberon! This photo has to be in my top five of my favourite selfies with all these artists together. The show was amazing, and I really need to get this photo framed. An amazing show that I highly recommend (review here).
As a collector of all things magic, Alex makes it very easy and almost too tempting. There is always merchandise and artwork on sale at his shows, and I do love getting items signed. It is almost frustrating when I attend other shows by magicians who do not have merchandise and have missed out on an opportunity. It goes without saying that Alex signed a playing card, and I have also been able to get signed cards from Emily and Kelsie.
A favourite collectible of mine is my black and red Matricks Illusion baseball cap. It’s proudly on display in my office. Originally, it was signed by Alex only, but I took it to another later show (Matricks Illusion “Reimagined”) and I was lucky to get it signed by Emily and Kelsie as well. I need to buy another one of these caps to wear, as the signed one is, of course, in a display case with other magic collectibles.
After the Matricks Illusion “Reimagined” show in Rickmansworth last year (review here), Alex was kind enough to grab an actual tour promo poster on display at the theatre and sign it. Emily and Kelsie also signed the large A1 poster. Due to its size, it is safely stored flat in a large art folder. Items like this I particularly treasure as rare and allow me to build and add to my collection of modern magic mementos.
At BMC in 2025, Alex and the Matricks team started selling a new range of art items and magic, which are on sale at:
Below are some of the mugs, art, and even drinks coasters that are on display in my office. It goes without saying that most are signed, and I was able to gain a selfie and chat with dancer/magician and box jumper Kelsie. It is always a pleasure to see all the team, have a chat, and of course, buy items to add to my collection.
Of the pictures mounted on my office wall, four of them are actually by Alex, and I particularly like the Masters of Deception poster signed by him and Richard Jones.
With the new range of products and art that Matricks/Tricked Magic sell, they now attend many more magic conventions. I am looking forward to seeing them at the IBM convention this year.
I’m sure I’ll add more Matricks items to my collection. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the items I own and love having as mementos.
For all the latest Matricks Illusion tour dates and products, visit:
https://www.matricksillusion.com/shop
